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It was Nana Patole who refused to succumb, holding firm on the view that Shiv Sena (UBT) has very little presence in Vidarbha and shouldn’t receive seats traditionally belonging to Congress.
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole. (Image: PTI/File)
In Maharashtra’s turbulent political arena, where alliances and seat-sharing talks often pressure party leaderships, Congress state chief Nana Patole has emerged as a steadfast figure, refusing to back down. His unwavering stance during the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance’s seat-sharing negotiations has earned him respect within the party and bolstered Congress’s position in the state. Under his leadership, Congress performed impressively in the recent Lok Sabha polls, and Patole’s determined approach in securing key constituencies ahead of the state assembly elections has positioned the party as a strong contender.
The ongoing seat-sharing discussions between Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) have been challenging, as each party seeks to maximise its representation in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. While many expected Congress to make concessions to its allies, Nana Patole has been resolute. He ensured that Congress secured not just a fair share but strategically important seats, particularly in regions where the party has a historical advantage, such as Vidarbha.
Despite immense pressure from Shiv Sena (UBT) and the complexities of coalition politics, Patole remained steadfast in his demand for seats that would allow Congress to capitalise on its strengths. His tenacity has paid off, with Congress successfully holding on to key constituencies, ensuring its relevance in the state’s political landscape. By refusing to let Congress be overshadowed by its allies, Patole has strengthened the party’s hand — a move that party insiders say will be crucial to Congress’s overall performance in the state elections.
Vidarbha has long been a Congress stronghold, and under Nana Patole’s leadership, the party has doubled down on its efforts to retain dominance in the region. Patole, hailing from Vidarbha himself, has a deep understanding of the region’s political dynamics. His leadership has reinvigorated the Congress base in Vidarbha, rallying local leaders and galvanising grassroots workers. Vidarbha, however, remained a bone of contention in the MVA seat-sharing talks, as Shiv Sena (UBT) demanded more seats, exerting pressure on Congress. It was Nana Patole who refused to succumb, holding firm on the view that Shiv Sena (UBT) has very little presence in this region and therefore shouldn’t receive seats traditionally belonging to Congress. The Vidarbha strategy is not just about electoral arithmetic, it’s about reaffirming Congress’s identity as a major player in Maharashtra. By focusing on Vidarbha and securing key seats there, Patole is positioning the party to deliver strong results in one of its most critical regions.
One of the key factors behind Nana Patole’s confidence and assertive leadership is his close relationship with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Patole has often been seen as a trusted confidant of Rahul Gandhi, and this proximity to the party’s high command has emboldened him to take a firm stand on critical matters. His direct line of communication with Rahul Gandhi has given him the backing to push for Congress’s interests more aggressively, particularly during the challenging seat-sharing talks with the MVA alliance. Party sources indicate that Patole’s rapport with Rahul Gandhi has been instrumental in shaping his leadership style, encouraging him to adopt a more proactive and confrontational approach when necessary. His willingness to challenge allies and defend Congress’s position is seen as a reflection of his growing stature within the party, helping solidify his leadership at the state level.
Political observers in Maharashtra note that when a united Shiv Sena was allied with the BJP, the saffron party often shouldered the responsibility of keeping the alliance intact. However, for the first time, Uddhav-led Shiv Sena (UBT) is facing resistance from Congress, which, post-2019 general and state elections, had appeared weakened by poor performance. Though Congress was part of the MVA government, it initially had little influence. Patole, who was Speaker of the state assembly, resigned to accept the post of party president, revitalising the party’s confidence, which later paid off in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Interestingly, Patole also kept Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) in check by limiting their seat allocation to what was considered their true capacity.
Nana Patole’s successful navigation of both the Lok Sabha polls and the seat-sharing negotiations in Maharashtra has not gone unnoticed by the Congress high command. With party insiders speculating that the MVA could form the next government in the state, there is a growing belief that Patole could be in line for a significant role within the government, should Congress perform well in the upcoming elections.
According to senior journalist Deepak Bhatuse, “Nana Patole’s aggressive stand was much appreciated by the central leadership when Shiv Sena UBT was claiming on seats which belongs to the Congress party in Vidarbha region. But his aggression has created many enemies for him within the party. Hence, Nana should be careful while taking every step ahead. The talks which are not moving forward, is because the aggression of Nana Patole is one of the reasons.”
